PONY Q&A

Q: What is a floating trophy?

A: Floating trophies are trophies that are given out each year at a specific show. You can take pictures with them, and then they must then be returned to the show holding

body to be handed out to next year’s winner. Sometimes, your name will be engraved on the trophy before the next person wins it to record that you won it.

Q: How do I stand a pony up correctly for conformation shots?

A: Taking good pictures of your pony is a great skill! These photos can be really important if you're selling your pony or just want to see how they change over time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash and groom your pony: Give your pony a nice bath, brush their mane and tail, and use some coat conditioner to make them look shiny and clean.

2. Choose a good spot: Find a place with good lighting. It’s best if the sun is behind you when you take the photo. Avoid taking pictures inside barns and stables because they’re usually too dark.

3. Check the background and ground: Make sure the background isn’t too busy or messy and the ground is flat and clean. This helps your pony look their best in the picture.

4. Position your pony’s legs: Make sure your pony stands with their legs spaced out so you can see all four legs. The legs closest to the camera should be slightly offset: the hind leg closest to the camera should be a bit behind the other hind leg, and the front leg closest to the camera should be a bit in front of the other front leg. This makes your pony’s body look good in the picture.

5. Keep your pony focused: A distracted pony can ruin a photo. Use treats or make horse sounds to get your pony’s attention. Try to get them to stretch their neck slightly down and out to show off their muscles. If you have a helper, they can kneel on the ground (if it is safe) to encourage your pony to stretch toward them.

6. Stand in the right place: When you take the photo, stand at your pony’s girth line (the middle part where you put the saddle) to avoid weird angles. Don’t stand too far back or too far forward.

Remember, it takes practice to get a good conformation shot. Be patient, and don’t get frustrated—you’ll get it right eventually!

Q: My pony's sweet itch hasn't gone away completely this winter. Why is this?

A: Sweet itch is a really uncomfortable condition caused by an allergy to the saliva of tiny biting bugs called midges. These midges usually come out in spring and go away in winter if the temperature is low enough (below four degrees Celsius). This means that normally, in winter, the midges don’t fly around and bite horses and ponies. But if it’s not cold enough where you live, the midges might still be around and biting your pony, which is why the itchiness hasn’t gone away.

Another reason the sweet itch hasn’t gone away could be that your pony has a really bad case of sweet itch, so his skin is very damaged. This means that even if the midges aren't biting, your pony's skin is still very itchy as it tries to heal. This makes your horse scratch a lot, which keeps the problem going.

It’s a good idea to talk to your vet about this. They can give you advice on how to help your pony feel better.